Restoration England

Definition

Restoration England refers to the period in English history from 1660 to 1688, marked by the return of Charles II to the throne following the English Civil War and the Interregnum. This era is significant for its cultural revival, particularly in literature, where it saw the emergence of new styles and themes influenced by political and social changes. It set the stage for prominent writers like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, as well as a flourishing of poetic forms that responded to the complexities of a restored monarchy and shifting societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Restoration period began in 1660 when Charles II was restored to the throne after years of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell.
2. This era was marked by a renewed interest in arts and literature, with an emphasis on drama and poetry that reflected the tumultuous political climate.
3. The rise of satire during this time allowed writers like Jonathan Swift to critique society and politics in clever and impactful ways.
4. Women also began to emerge as prominent figures in literature during Restoration England, with notable playwrights like Aphra Behn gaining recognition.
5. The period ended with the Glorious Revolution in 1688, which established constitutional monarchy and further influenced the direction of English literature.

Review Questions

• How did Restoration England influence the development of satire in literature?
  • Restoration England provided a fertile ground for satire as writers sought to critique and comment on the political turmoil and societal changes following the Civil War. This period allowed authors like Jonathan Swift to use humor and irony to expose corruption and folly within society and government. The freedom of expression encouraged by the return of monarchy led to a vibrant literary scene where satire became a powerful tool for social criticism.
• Discuss how Charles II's return affected literary production during Restoration England.
  • Charles II's return in 1660 ushered in an era of artistic freedom that had been suppressed during the Interregnum. His patronage of the arts fostered a vibrant cultural environment where playwrights and poets could explore new themes and styles. The reopening of theaters and increased public interest in drama led to an explosion of literary creativity, shaping works that addressed both personal emotions and public issues in unique ways.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Restoration England on later literary movements in English literature.
  • The cultural shifts that occurred during Restoration England had profound effects on subsequent literary movements, paving the way for Romanticism and the rise of modern literary forms. The emphasis on individual expression, along with innovations in poetic structure, laid groundwork for later writers to explore complex themes of identity and society. Furthermore, the use of satire became a staple technique that would resonate throughout English literature, influencing generations of authors who continued to challenge norms through their writing.

Related terms

Theaters: Public venues that became increasingly popular during Restoration England, known for their lively performances and the emergence of new genres, including comedy and tragedy.

Cavalier Poets:

A group of poets associated with the royalist cause during the English Civil War, whose work often celebrated love, loyalty, and the beauty of nature, influencing later poetic movements.

Satire: A literary technique used extensively during Restoration England, characterized by humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize societal norms, politics, and human folly.